What to Consider When Changing Careers

Did you know the average person changes careers five to seven times during their working years according to the U.S. Department of Labor? The agency also found that nearly 30% of the workforce now changes jobs yearly. While changing jobs may not be as intense as shifting careers, today’s workforce is more open to making frequent employment changes — sometimes called “job-hopping” — now than in previous generations.

Someone might want to change their profession for many reasons. The main motives typically include craving a better work-life balance, wanting to work for a different employer, deciding to start their own company or needing a larger salary.

Changing an occupation is not a small decision. It determines how you spend a lot of your time and energy. Consider the following three things if you find yourself in this position.

Avoid Making a Rash Decision

For many, something as small as a disagreement with a manager or a difficult day at work can trigger the desire to want to shake things up.

While the grass may seem greener on the other side, no job is perfect all the time. Every career you tackle will have its ups and downs. Don’t hesitate to question your desire to change careers. Starting with a pros and cons list may help you establish if a change is worth the hassle.

Consider a Self-Assessment Test

If after some self-reflection you’ve decided shifting careers is the right move, what’s next?

Do you already have a profession in mind? Do you need direction or guidance on which career would be right for you? One of the best ways to narrow it down is to assess yourself first. It’s important to understand your likes, dislikes, strengths and weaknesses before you jump into a new role — and these things can change over time!

The following tests and assessments may be useful. Note that some require a fee, although career centers or community organizations in your area may offer free versions. You can also visit this website for an extensive list of free assessments.

• Aptitude testing: An aptitude test can gauge how you absorb or execute tasks in a certain situation. It can also help determine how successful you would be in different environments, based mainly on your individual strengths, weaknesses and talents. The Johnson O’Connor Research Foundation offers aptitude testing.
• Agilities testing: Agilities is another area you may want to consider assessing. Different from aptitude testing, agility testing takes into account your abilities, skills and interests and measures them and their relation to a wide variety of occupations. The Agile Work Profiler by The DeBruce Foundation is a good place to start.
• Strengths testing: Maybe you are unsure of your biggest strengths. The CliftonStrengths Assessment by Gallup can help you understand what makes you unique and how to direct your strengths into success.

Immerse Yourself in the Industry

Once you have more direction on which new role is right for you, it’s time to immerse yourself in that industry.

Starting a new career with no previous experience can be difficult. Most employers are seeking candidates with at least some history of working in a similar role. The best way to beef up your resume is to find ways to get involved.

An internship is a good method of gaining experience in a short amount of time. It also allows you to get your foot in the door with a company where you may be interested in working in the future.

If an internship isn’t in the cards, be sure to seek out mentors in your industry. Ask them if you can job shadow for a day so you can see firsthand if it feels like the right fit for you. It’s always a good idea to have a mentor who can help guide you in networking opportunities and job recommendations and offer sound advice when you need it.

The biggest thing to keep in mind is to never give up! Big life transformations can take time. Stay persistent and keep an eye out for any opportunity that comes your way. You never know where it might lead you.